Women Are Essential
By Patty Castillo Davis
The 2022 Women’s History Month theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”, is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.
Music as medicine has been a source of “pain management” and a therapeutic choice amongst the masses during this time. In the early part of the shutdown, we were able to enjoy live streaming and learned to evolve with the CDC and local guidelines to keep each other safe and still enjoy live music. During this time local women musicians stepped forward as leaders and gave their all to elevate morale and inject some joy into an otherwise morose atmosphere.
The three Lady Bosses behind Modshop and PorchFest-Trisha Rosenow, Ruhi Sheik and Kate Trompetter created CouchFest and gave us such a unique take on shelter in place, leaving the community wanting more and anticipating the return to in-person entertainment. Female musicians and bands with female members ruled this event and drew the largest streaming audiences.
Horizon Point, SUNDUST, The Vibes, Portrait of Elysia, Remedy, Blues Box Bayou Band-remember these band names. All of these groups have strong women players who are also the founders or co-founders and there are many more too numerous to mention. Make the effort to hear them perform and support their online platforms.
Please join me on Thursday, March 17 for the monthly music event-Thursday Vibe with Patty Castillo Davis and Friends. Every third Thursday at 950 10th St, Ste 16. From 5-7 pm this free event is in the ModSpot space where Art Walk attendees can enjoy a concert, drop-in style. Free beverages and light snacks are available. Kids welcome.
If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work in tandem with a woman musician, promoter, producer, or venue owner you will find her work ethic and creative cultivation is extraordinary and unparalleled. Women in this industry are grossly underrepresented (and underpaid). Female representation matters, so let’s empower them to raise their voices.
